DORSET ó Officials with the Dorset Theatre Festival are inviting young people to take part in the second annual Jean E. Miller Young Playwrights Competition which honors the service and career of the festivalís former board president, Jean Miller.

The festival hosts a school residency program for young playwrights which introduces young writers to the principles of playwriting, but the competition is open to all regional youth in grades five through 12, whether they are enrolled in the program or not.

To enter, a student must submit an original play, 10 to 20 pages long and in proper playwriting format. On-line mentoring is available.

Plays by the winners will be presented in a special performance at the Dorset Playhouse on Sept. 20. Winners will also receive a collection of plays and an award certificate.

The submission deadline is May 31. For more information, call 867-2223 or visit the website at www.dorsettheatrefestival.org.